Fisheries

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The fisheries in the Convention Area currently target Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides), Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni), mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) and Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). These fisheries are managed using the ecosystem-based and precautionary approach, and management objectives which balance ‘conservation’ and ‘rational use’ of living resources and maintain existing ecological relationships. The fisheries operate in a regulatory framework which recognises five types of fisheries that reflect the stage of development and the level of information available to make management decisions.

Catch limits in each fishery are agreed using decision rules that ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery. These limits and the other operational aspects defined in the conservation measures determine when, where and how fisheries are conducted in order to manage the potential impacts on the ecosystem. These regulations are usually specific to a fishing season, and currently apply to toothfish, icefish and krill fisheries. Other fisheries have operated at various times in the past and are no longer active.

Monitoring of the fisheries is performed using information reported to the Secretariat in real-time and other short intervals during the fishing season.

Member countries maintain complementary management strategies in areas under their jurisdiction in the Convention Area, including waters adjacent to the Prince Edward and Marion Islands (South Africa), and Crozet and Kerguelen Islands (France).